The head coaching search continues for the Chicago Bears. It isn’t really smart to hire a head coach before a general manager but some exceptions could be made. One of the best coaches in the NFL might be more available than some think.

Sean Payton has been one of the NFL’s best head coaches for a long time. Some people may think that Drew Brees was the main reason that the New Orleans Saints were successful over the years and that is probably true. Good quarterbacks run the NFL.

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Brittney Spencer grew up singing in the church, a Black girl with a big voice and even bigger dreams who spent most of her childhood trying to emulate the powerful voices surrounding her.

“If you didn’t sound good, they didn’t give you the microphone,” laughs the Nashville-based singer/songwriter during a recent phone interview. “If you couldn’t sing, they would put you in the last row of the choir, you know?”

Spencer never found herself in that row.

Whether it was The Chicks songs she would perform in the attic of her family’s Baltimore home or the Loretta Lynn songs she performed with her band on the side of a Kentucky interstate not too long ago, Spencer has aways wanted to sing.

As one of country music’s most talented and intriguing new characters, Spencer finds herself using that God-given voice to finally tell her story.

“I feel like a three-minute song can sometimes encapsulate everything that you’ve been thinking and experiencing for years,” says Spencer, who made the move to Nashville about nine years ago and was soon singing backup for artists such as Carrie Underwood and Christopher Cross. “That’s the power of music,” she says.

It’s a power that can be heard all over her 2020 EP “Compassion” and on songs such as “Sober & Skinny,” “Damn Right, You’re Wrong” and “My Stupid Life,” and it’s a power that is resulting in packed venues as Spencer continues on her headlining “In a Perfect World” world tour.

“It’s important for me to write a good story and sing great lyrics to tell that story,” says Spencer, whose viral cover of The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” ultimately snagged major attention of elite artists such as Maren Morris and Jason Isbell back in 2020. “But it’s also important for me to make sure I’m singing the hell out of the song.”

Make no mistake — Spencer is on no vocal power trip. In fact, her whispers often speak the loudest, drawing people in closer to find out more about the woman who is doing her best to kick down each and every barrier within country music.

“I’m always just trying to tell my story,” says Spencer, who has opened for the likes of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Brett Eldredge, and will join Reba McEntire on tour for a handful of dates next month. “I put a lot of who I am into my music because that’s the one thing I want to talk about sometimes. I just think it’s important to show who you are and to be authentic and to tell your story and maybe, it will make other people find their own story or maybe, want to tell their own.”

“… I am a nervous wreck,” she admits. “I am a very nervous person. One wouldn’t think so, but I’m very shy. I don’t open up easily.”

So, she lets her songs do the talking.

“I think when you’re an artist, everything that you are is brought to the surface. But everything that you want to be is also brought to the surface. I just try to find a way to channel all of those nerves and all that additional energy and put it into my music. All of those nerves have to work to my advantage in some way. Otherwise, I won’t get my goals accomplished.”

There are many goals Spencer has her eyes on, most of which she refuses to say out loud, in the hopes of not jinxing them too early in her already promising career.

And yes, there are countless songs she has yet to sing.

“A lot of these new songs are me going back to those moments in my life that I haven’t been able to talk about yet,” says Spencer, who plans to have new music out later this year. “I wasn’t an artist back then. There is a part of me that still feels like a teenager with a lot of angst. I think a lot of us are still dealing with things that we have never faced. But music helps get all of that out.”

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The Chicago Bears have entered the third week of their search for a new general manager and head coach. It would appear that the Bears are making progress in regards to filling their head coaching vacancy.

Entering the week, it was already known that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will interview for a second time and the list of second-round interviews for the Bears’ head coaching opening has grown.

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DENVER — Kevin Lankinen suffered a hand injury during Saturday’s Blackhawks-Wild game, but didn’t immediately tell anyone about it.

So Hawks interim coach Derek King was chatting with him casually postgame, unaware anything had happened other than Lankinen making an impressive 40 saves, when he was jolted by the unexpected news.

“I’m still trying to get when it happened and why he didn’t really complain about it,” King said Monday. “It was something he just dealt with and fought through. And after the game, I was…congratulating him, and all of a sudden, the doctor comes in and tells me he’s out for two-to-three weeks.”

Indeed, it turns out Lankinen — who flew back Sunday to Chicago for medical treatment — will be sidelined until mid-February. He was placed on injured reserve.

His absence pushes Arvid Soderblom into the Hawks’ No. 2 goalie role behind Marc-Andre Fleury, who started for the ninth time in 10 games this month Monday against the Avalanche. That should be valuable experience for Soderblom, who is actually the only goalie in the entire organization currently signed beyond this season.

But it’s a tough break for Lankinen. Although numbers this season are poor — he’s 2-5-4 with an .889 save percentage — he seemed to find his top game again this weekend, stopping 56 of 61 total shots over 4.5 periods against a dangerous Wild offense. The immediate disruption to that momentum costs him a valuable chance to reestablish his value.

King contemplates future

Even as he approaches three months on the job, King’s interim coaching role hasn’t affected his nonexistent ego whatsoever. He still jokes around, still readily admits when he doesn’t know something and still often references his playing and minor-league coaching experiences.

But in the most characteristic King way possible, he suggested Monday he has thought some about what it’d be like to keep this job full-time.

“I would obviously love to be back [next season],” he said. “I’m enjoying it. I’m learning a lot, whether it’s on the ice or off the ice. I’m getting more comfortable. I feel like I can help. But I’m just being me. I’m going to go out and do the best job I can, and if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, then I’ll move on and see where I’m at.”

The Hawks are moving slowly right now while sketching out their vision and structure for the front office. Next, they’ll need to fill the vacant roles in new front-office structure they choose.

Only after that point — likely in the offseason — will a permanent coach be named, a fact King acknowledged himself. He hopes whoever is making that decision will at least consider him, though.

“We’ll see who takes over — maybe it’s somebody I know or something,” he said. “But I’m not too focused on it.”

Seabrook ceremony postponed

Brent Seabrook’s legacy night, previously scheduled for next Monday at the United Center against the Canucks, has been postponed.

“The Blackhawks and Brent both want his entire family to be able to travel in for this special recognition, and with the risk of an extended stay in Chicago with school-aged children, we understand it is in his family’s best interest to stay in Canada for the time being,” the Hawks said in a statement. “We look forward to honoring Brent’s career in a future season.”

The Hawks now need to reschedule both Seabrook and Marian Hossa’s legacy nights, presumably in 2022-23. Niklas Hjalmarsson’s retirement ceremony remains scheduled for March 3.

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One of the best things about this time of year in Chicago is firing up a pot of chili, lighting the fireplace and watching the NFL playoffs as the snow accumulates out your window.

And we’re not the only ones doing that. So are the Bears. Celebrities, they’re just like us!

But as the Bears sit home and watch the upcoming conference championship games on TV for the 11th consecutive year, they better be taking notes. Here’s what they can learn from each of the final four teams standing:

Hire the right coach

Sean McVay inherited a team that had gone 60-131-1 over its previous 12 years and he’s done nothing but win.

The Rams have had double-digit wins in four of his five seasons, been to a Super Bowl and are on the brink of reaching another. Over his tenure, his team has scored the third-most points, gained the third-most yards per play and managed the 11th-highest passer rating despite Jared Goff being its quarterback most of that time.

That’s what it looks like to get the coach right. A lot of teams thought they were hiring the next great, young coach — including the Bears with Matt Nagy — but there’s no doubt the Rams and general manager Les Snead nailed it with McVay. He’s the best of them.

Whoever your QB is, protect him

Over the last five seasons, the 49ers have played Jimmy Garoppolo, rookie Trey Lance, Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard and Brian Hoyer at quarterback. None of them have been great, but they’ve had a chance–especially this season–thanks to one of the NFL’s best offensive lines.

The 49ers gave up the 11th-fewest sacks (33) and allowed sixth-least pressure at just 19.3% of their dropbacks. The Bears gave up a league-worst 58 sacks and allowed pressure on 24.3% of pass plays.

They’re anchored by nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, who was an all-pro this season. It took a six-year, $138.1 million contract to keep him in free agency last year, but the 49ers don’t regret a single cent of it. Compare that with the Bears’ situation, where they dispatched Charles Leno and are now hoping second-round pick and former college right tackle Teven Jenkins can transition to the left side.

Here’s the template at receiver

Remember how Nagy gushed about all the talent the Bears had at wide receiver going into this season? He couldn’t believe they had not only Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney, but also Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd.

Mooney had 1,055 yards, but none of the other receivers hit even 500. Goodwin played just 35% of the snaps, Robinson was hurt most of the season and Byrd had just five catches in the first 10 games.

Meanwhile, take a look at what the Bengals have. If Tyler Boyd was on the Bears, he’d probably be their best receiver. But he’s third on his own team behind star rookie Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. When the Bengals drafted Joe Burrow as their quarterback, they immediately tried to supply him with weapons.

A great QB can fix everything

The Chiefs will be good as long as they have Patrick Mahomes. And he’s 26, so that’ll probably be another 15 years.

The Bears could’ve drafted him in 2017, you might have heard.

It’s the same luxury the Colts enjoyed with Peyton Manning, and the Packers have had with Aaron Rodgers. Their defenses haven’t always been great and they’ve had to make some painful decisions with skill players because of the salary cap, but it’s a great starting point to have the quarterback and try to figure out everything else.

The Bears, of course, have been trying the opposite approach for a while — everything but the quarterback. That’s simply not how teams win big in the modern NFL.

The Chiefs can win no matter how their defense plays, as evidenced by Mahomes leading them on scoring drives twice in the final minute of regulation and withstanding a 36-point night by the Bills on Sunday to win in overtime.

The Bears need Justin Fields to be that kind of game changer. And if he isn’t, they need to find that out as quickly as possible.

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Did you know that Lunar New Year as right around the corner? If you haven’t checked out our round-up for the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Chicago so you can get your New Year’s feast the right way, you should head over. Meanwhile, below are some family-friendly Lunar New Year Celebrations in Chicago for you and your little ones to enjoy a festive cultural celebration.

Image Credit: Unsplash

401 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan 26, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Indian Prairie Library brings you a lovely lunar new year light festival to lift us out of the winter gloom. This light festival will showcase the beautiful Chinese culture with light installations, and you’ll get to bring a unique craft item home afterward. To RSVP for this event, go to their website now. Keep in mind that a library card is required and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Image Credit: Eventbrite

923 Curtiss St. Downers Grove, IL 60515

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 5, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Join an auspicious celebration of culture in the heart of downtown Downers Grove! Enjoy some traditional Chinese celebration food, try classes and watch demonstrations of traditional Chinese martial arts, and take advantage of special “Year of the Tiger” enrollment deals!

2301 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

WHEN: Sunday, Feb 13, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

What’s better than celebrating the Chinese New Year at Chicago’s renowned Chinatown!? Come check out this year’s new year parade! The Lunar New Year Parade kicks off at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and heads north up Wentworth to Cermak Road. The parade features traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, marching bands, marching groups, and colorful floats.

720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 12, 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Hilton Chicago is taking your celebration of the Year of Tiger to a whole new level with over a thousand attendees from across the midwest, ready to mingle and share their cultural insights. It is one of the most significant cultural events for the Chinese American community. The event is sponsored 90+ Chinese American organizations across the midwest — so just imagine what is ready for you to experience!

Image Credit: McKinley Park

2210 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609

WHEN: Saturday, Jan 29, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Shop and celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the Chinese New Year Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the McKinley Park field house, 2210 W. Pershing Road, Chicago. This family-friendly event offers free admission to the general public, with space for up to twenty-five vendors.

Image Credit:

Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Feb.5, 12:00 PM

Eager to celebrate the Year of the Tiger? Uptown’s annual Lunar New Year Celebration kicks off the Chinese New Year a week earlier than its Chinatown counterpart with dazzling dragons, dancers, drummers, and more. The parade kicks off at 1 pm at Argyle and Winthrop and heads east to Sheridan, south to Ainslie, and north on Broadway back to Argyle.

636 Ridge Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 1, 4:00 pm

A kid’s lunar new year celebration, you say? Yes! All kids age 6-10 are invited to Highland Park for a cultural celebration full of surprises, gifts, and yummy food! Participants will start in the kitchen creating a traditional snack, followed by a martial arts class, and finally taking home a New Year craft to complete with family. Participants are encouraged to wear red or other brightly-colored comfortable clothes to go with the festive and upbeat mood!

Featured Image Credit: Chicago Chinatown

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It’s Week 3 of the Chicago Bears head coach and general manager search and so far, we have just one finalist that will get a second interview. Matt Eberflus is the lone candidate so far that will get a second interview this week and while that likely will change, it appears as if there is radio silence at Halas Hall.

On Monday, one NFL insider revealed three names to keep an eye on in terms of finalists for the head coach job and to be honest, the list isn’t very intriguing. In his latest column for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer wrote on the Bears and where things stand, naming these three to keep an eye on:

The Bears’ Bill Polian/Tony Dungy–connected candidates—Jim Caldwell, Leslie Frazier and Colts DC Matt Eberflus—have emerged as top names in Chicago. Hiring Poles could mean changing course a bit. Poles is close with fellow former Boston College football letterman Brian Flores, and Flores has already interviewed with the Bears, and Poles has been in touch with a number of other candidates for the Vikings and Bears jobs (Caldwell is one, Quinn, Todd Bowles and Kevin O’Connell are others). So just like Quinn is the big domino on the coaching side, Poles could be the next domino on the general manager side.

While Bears fans probably want Byron Leftwich or Brian Daboll, so far it looks like Eberflus and Frazier or Caldwell could be the ones that end up getting the job. The one thing to note is that not much has leaked out of Halas Hall in terms of finalists so things could change.

Buckle up, folks. This is going to start picking up soon.

Make sure to check out our Chicago Bears forum for the latest on the Monsters of the Midway.

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